CHICKASAW - With blue and tan carpeting down, oak cabinets and trim
nearly in place and sunlight coming through the newly installed arched windows and the
large skylight over the new circulation area, the Zahn-Marion Township Branch Library
addition is moving smoothly toward completion.
Early August should see the 3,300-square-foot addition completed,
including elevator, which will more than double the size of the current facility.
"We opened the library in the town hall in 1982 and built this
(present 2,200-square-foot) building in 1985 with a generous donation of former
(Chickasaw) Mayor Urban Zahn," said branch librarian Janet Schmackers, who estimated
the library's on-site collection at about 12,000 items.
Although Schmackers said the library adds to its collection
continually, those additions are not part of the funding for the building addition.
Funding for the $600,000 expansion was raised from pledges and
donations from Chickasaw businesses and individuals in the amount of $270,000 and a pledge
of $350,000 from the Mercer County District Library board of directors, as well as some
help from state funding.
As part of the district library system, the Zahn branch has access to
the district's materials collection of more than 140,000 items and through the state
library consortium another million items are available.
New available space in the expansion includes additional ground floor
areas plus a full finished basement, which includes a community meeting room and
restroom facilities.
Handicap parking is planned along the curb on Roosevelt Street.
"It's been a big project, but all the new conveniences and
additional space are well worth it," Schmackers said, adding the grand opening
celebration is planned for Oct. 12.